As if chocolate wasn’t already enough, Hershey’s has done it again and given the world (or at least Target shoppers) a super-sweet new Kiss. The limited edition Strawberry Ice Cream Cone flavor is here and it’s everything you’re imagining and more.

With summer on the horizon, you’re ready for a taste of the season. Even though nothing will replace the ooey, gooey, drippy cone that always seems to melt all over your kiddo’s favorite t-shirt on the warmest of summer days, Hershey’s new flavor is a close second to the real deal.

photo: Target

If you’re looking for a pre-season summer-time treat, minus the chill of an actual ice cream cone, nab a bag of these strawberry-flavored goodies ASAP. While the Kisses obviously don’t contain actual ice cream, according to the product description on Target’s website the Strawberry Ice Cream Cone candy, “Is the delicious KISSES treats you’ve always loved, but this version captures the taste of sweet strawberry ice cream cone in a fun sized treat with less mess!”

The description continues, “Enjoy the decadent taste of smooth, rich bite-sized strawberry flavored crème and cookies anywhere and at any time. Wrapped in festive pink foils, these creamy treats are perfect for the season’s candy dishes and anytime snacking.”

Score your own bag of these strawberry goodies from Target.com here. The summery Kisses retail for $3.69 for a nine ounce bag.

—Erica Loop

 

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snoeshoe

Photo: Ali Flynn

Having four teenage girls, all in high school, you can imagine I am rarely by myself and if I happen to be, it is usually to use the restroom, shower, or on my way home after driving one of them to a friend’s house.

But last week I went snowshoeing alone…Deep in the woods.

Alone.

It took me some time to settle in and stop worrying a bobcat was going to jump out and attack me, but I kept moving forward.

Step by step, I gained more confidence and left my fears behind.

Alone…for the first time in a long time.

So there I was, alone in the woods.

Alone with my deepest thoughts.

Alone with the quiet and the sunlight peeking through the trees creating the most glorious shadows.

So as I walked along, listening to the crunching beneath my feet, I recognized that I truly wasn’t alone and an inner peace embraced me.

There I was, trudging through the pathway of white, in all of my fullness.

This alone time was a gift as I was wrapping myself up in self-love and providing a space to reflect and grow.

Who knew just a short three-mile snowshoeing trek could open up my heart to hearing and seeing new parts of myself.

Who knew the quiet and solitude would allow inner conversations to emerge and come to light.

And who knew being alone could feel so magical after so many years of always having my girls near me.

But maybe that’s it right there…

Maybe being alone is exactly what I needed in order to find more growth within… to strive to be a better mom and to think through things, really think, not the kind of thinking that gets done in-between loads of laundry and emptying the dishwasher.

 And what I realized was this…

I am blessed to never feel alone, even when one set of footprints, my own, trails behind in the snow. There may be one set of footprints but this mama of four will always see her family of six walking alongside her, even when alone. The six sets of footprints trailing behind and next to me is a blessing today and all the days moving forward.

There is no doubt the love and support of my family encourages, inspires, and moves me along as the footprints behind keep me company.

So all of this alone time got me thinking.

My eldest will be making her trek along a new path when she embarks on her college journey in the fall.

She may have moments where she feels alone.

She may feel alone on the evenings her dorm room is quiet and miss our bustling home, filled with high pitched laughter, screams of frustration, and some tears.

She may feel alone as she walks across a campus busy with other students, and miss those quiet moments holding her sister’s hand.

She may feel alone when she grabs a quick granola bar on the way to class rather than sharing her to-do list with me, as she looks on while I make her an egg sandwich.

But maybe being alone is just what she needs…

Maybe being alone allows the quiet to seep in while recalling the billowing laughter that wrapped her up each day in love.

Maybe being alone allows a sense of solitude to embrace her soul while remembering a sense of peace from each hug.

But as this heart of mine gets used to being more alone amongst the world of raising teenagers, I can only wish for my sweet girl to also know, even on the days she feels alone, there are always six sets of footprints trailing behind, supporting every path she embarks on.

Our family footprints will forever trail behind each and every one of us, making imprints along our unique paths of life.

 

 

Ali Flynn Is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of motherhood with an open heart, laughter and some tears. Ali is a monthly guest contributor for Westchester County Mom  and has been seen on Filter Free Parents, Grown and Flown, Today Parents and Her View From Home.

Winter break is just around the corner, which means the kids will be home for a few weeks with plenty of free time to fill. This spells “opportunity”—either to spend some extra cash or, better yet—to make some.

Nurture your daughter’s inner entrepreneur by encouraging her to earn some extra coin with one of these eight money-making endeavors.

Pet Sitting

Getting paid to take care of pets without the commitment of having one? Sounds like a perfect way for an animal lover to make a few bucks during this time of year. A lot of families go out of town during winter break, either to spend the holidays with relatives, go skiing or head south for a few days of warmer weather. A simple Facebook post and maybe some flyers around the neighborhood listing your daughter’s availability and rates may be all it takes to drum up some pet-sitting business.

Wrapping Gifts

While many people are flexing their Amazon Prime memberships right now, they may find themselves needing a little support once all those gifts are delivered. If your daughter is a bit of a perfectionist and loves to make things look pretty, she could offer her gift-wrapping services for friends, family and neighbors, charging either per gift or per hour. Bonus points if she can make her own cute gift tags to sell to those who need them.

Helping Host a Party

‘Tis the season for gatherings and parties, now through early January. If your daughter is either comfortable making her way around the kitchen or making small talk with strangers, she could offer her services as a behind-the-scenes mini hostess (helping prepare food, serve beverages, clean dishes, etc.) or offer to greet guests as they arrive and take their coats. She could also keep the little ones entertained and occupied in a playroom (if kids are invited) so the adults can enjoy their time together uninterrupted. Have her advertise her hosting skills via social media, email and through word of mouth (that means you, Mom and Dad).

Making & Selling Candy (or Other DIY Gifts)

Nothing says “holiday season” better than delicious, mouthwatering sweet treats. You and your daughter can take advantage of this time of year by learning how to make some simple candies and selling them via social media. In fact, you can let your friends try them first for free and then ask them to spread the word that you’re making more and taking orders.

Teaching Other Kids

Does your daughter have a hobby she’s especially good at? Or a subject in school that she excels in? Tutoring is a great way to make some extra money as well as new friends, connections and teaching skills that may come in handy down the road. Learning doesn’t have to be confined to the walls of a classroom and during a school break, parents may be especially interested in taking advantage of the downtime by hiring a tutor.

Host a Parent’s Night Out/Babysitting

Whether they’re holiday gift shopping, attending a party or just spending time at home decorating/cooking for upcoming festivities (and wish to be uninterrupted), many parents might appreciate having a time and place they can drop their kids off without having to call a babysitter. You and your daughter can advertise a Parent’s Night Out via social media and take reservations for parents to bring their kids to your place for an evening of good old-fashioned kid-centric fun, including games, special treats and maybe a holiday classic like Elf or Frosty the Snowman. This is also a great way to drum up potential babysitting business for the years to come.

Hot Cocoa Stand

Who says lemonade is the only beverage that deserves a stand? Weather permitting, of course, help your daughter set up an outdoor hot cocoa stand with thermoses full of chocolatey goodness, to-go cups with lids and assorted toppings, like marshmallows, crushed candy canes and whipped cream. She can advertise it via social media, but if you live in a fairly high-trafficked area, she may get quite a few customers just based on the appeal and ingenuity of the idea.

Household Helper

From shoveling snow to taking down holiday decorations, from de-icing sidewalks to cleaning up after a New Year’s Eve party, your daughter can advertise an hourly rate for her services to help other families “get stuff done” during what’s typically a chaotic time of year. She could list the types of chores she’s willing to take on, the dates she’s available to help, maybe partner up with a friend or two and create a fun name for their little cleaning crew—there are all kinds of ways to make a “handy girl” service work. And busy parents may line up to pay for the much-needed extra pairs of hands.

Like these ideas? Check out these girls who’ve turned their money-making ideas into business opportunities.

This post originally appeared on The Startup Squad Blog.

I've always built businesses, from a childhood gummy bear business to adult gigs at IMAX and Coupons.com. I founded The Startup Squad to help girls reach their potential and my book series, The Startup Squad, is published by Macmillan. I live in Silicon Valley with my wife and two daughters.

It’s been almost a year since Crayola released its line of newly formulate crayons that represent 40 global skin tones with the new Colors of the World collection. Now, the brand is back with new products for even more artistic fun.

In addition to crayons, kids can now get their little hands on new Colors of the World colored pencils ($4.99) and markers ($6.99)! Both products come in 24-counts and of represent 40 global skin tones.

Colors of the World includes 24 colors that children of all ethnicities, cultures and races can use to better represent themselves through their creativity. Crayola spent over eight months researching and working with a founding partner of MAC Cosmetics, Victor Casale, who has over 30 years of experience in creating diverse foundation colors.

Together, Victor and Crayola’s product development team designed crayon colors with three undertones: Rose, Almond and Golden. Additionally, the crayons include a range of skin tone colors from Extra Light to Deepest.

Each crayon box includes side panels with color references and crayons that are wrapped with a skin tone label. Realistic color names will be listed in English, Spanish and French.

Crayola Colors of the World crayons come in a 24-count pack and are available now at Crayola.com. You can also snag the 32-count box sold exclusively at Walmart that has four additional hair and four eye color crayons. You can find them at Walmart.com for $1.77 each.

––Karly Wood

 

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Flowers are nice and all, but if the real way to your partner’s heart is through that sweet tooth, then a donut bouquet makes for the perfect Valentine’s Day surprise.

Harry and David’s Donut Bouquet might not be as traditional as long-stemmed roses, but it’s certainly sweet (pun intended). The 10-piece arrangement is wrapped in pink tissue and adorned with a gold bow.

photo: Harry and David

It features four kinds of donuts including pink-tinted white chocolate with a white drizzle, white chocolate with pink drizzle or mini heart sprinkles, milk chocolate with pink drizzle or mini heart sprinkles and dark chocolate with mini heart sprinkle.

The bouquet is available to order online for $50. As Delish reports, the bouquet is so popular that it tends to sell out, so don’t wait too long to order.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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We’re obsessed! Bonbons are the perfect Valentine’s Day gift or treat for any day of the week. These chocolate treats are made with lots of love by women-owned company, Wild Ophelia and sold at Sam’s Club.

Wild Ophelia bonbons

This exclusive, limited edition assortment of 20 heart-shaped, all natural chocolate bonbons that comes in four sweet flavors: Fresh Strawberry, Cherry Cordial, Sea Salt Caramel and Toasted Coconut. 

The bonbons are packaged in the signature Wild Ophelia gift box with a red ribbon that’s so beautiful they don’t need any wrapping.

Grab a box of 20 while you can for just $8.98.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Sam’s Club

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It’s even easier to break off a piece of that Kit Kat bar! Now fans have another way eat their beloved chocolate bar. This time with a smaller number of light and crispy wafers to give the Kit Kat Thins bar a new, thinner form.

Kit Kat Thins

The new Kit Kat Thins have only two, light and crispy wafers and thinner than the standard Kit Kat bar, which has three layers of wafers.

Kit Kat Thins

Kit Kat Thins are a great item for on-the-go snacking with their individually wrapped packaging.  

Kit Kat Thins are available nationwide in 3.4 and 7.2 oz. bags ($2.39 and $3.89).

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Hershey’s

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Need some uplifting tunes? You’ll want to strap on the earphones and get a listen to Laurie Berkner’s newest album, Let’s Go!

The legendary children’s musician is releasing her 14th album on Mar. 5, 2021 and is packed with a slew of original, interactive songs. Her signature style shines through, with songs wrapped in wisdom and warmth.

photo: Courtesy of Laurie Berkner

Berkner shares her experience about writing the album. “A pandemic is a strange and challenging time to make and release a new album. What’s really important? What’s going to change completely by tomorrow? I didn’t expect a song about handwashing to end up on this album, or a song about wearing a mask, and I waited to release the title track until after we were no longer under strict stay-at-home orders because … well, where were we going to GO? ”

Some of the title tracks include When It’s Cold, I’m On Vacation, Listen To The Sounds and Beautiful Light. “I love imagining young kids singing these words about themselves – and truly believing them,” says Berkner.

You can download the newest album on Mar. 5.

––Karly Wood

 

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Seal this Valentine’s Day with a kiss, a Hershey’s Kiss, that is. New Hershey’s Kisses Meltaway provide an extra chocolatey, creamy flavor. Wrapped in rose themed foil these kisses even feature a green plume.

Hershey's Kisses Meltaway Roses

With a velvety smooth meltaway center and their iconic milk chocolate, these Kisses are the perfect chocolate this Valentine’s Day.

Hershey’s Kisses Meltaway will be available nationwide, for a limited time. A standard 9 oz. bag retails for $3.69.

If you’d rather shower your loved ones with hugs and kisses the new Hershey’s Hugs & Kisses Heart Box features an assortment of classic milk chocolate Kisses candy and luscious milk chocolate and white creme Hugs candy bursting with a creamy chocolate center.

Hershey's Hugs & Kisses Heart Box

These adorable gift boxes will be available nationwide, for a limited time, in a 6.5 oz. pack retailing for $5.09.

Hershey’s is also bringing back Lava Cake Kisses for Valentine’s Day. 

Hershey's Kisses Lava Cake

These dark chocolate kisses are modeled after the ooey, gooey flowing cakes of the same name.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Hershey’s

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Photo: SHP Studio

Christmas is my favorite.

As a little girl, Christmas felt like it lasted forever.

I remember waking up every hour on Christmas eve and sneaking into my living room to see if there were presents yet. I think my parents knew that Santa needed to come to our house last, otherwise we would be opening gifts at midnight.

I can still remember the feeling of peaking my little head around the corner to see the living room full of gifts and squealing with excitement.

I remember running through the house screaming “Santa Came, Santa Came!!”

Don’t get me wrong, I know that Christmas isn’t about gifts.

The thing is, I don’t remember the presents I got.

I remember my dad wrapping my presents with so much tape it was impossible to open them.

I remember that he always said he was doing it to be funny, but I think it was because he wanted Christmas morning to last just a little longer.

I remember the snowy boot prints that I would find from Santa walking down the halls.

I remember the carrot crumbs leading me to special hidden toys.

I remember the magic.

Most of the time people grow up and that Christmas magic fades, but for me it never did.

My parents made Christmas so special for me that the magic lived on forever.

When I found out I was going to be a mom, Christmas was the very first thing I thought of. I could not wait to make that Christmas magic for my baby.

I had dreams of little footsteps running into my room begging me to open presents.

 I had dreams of wish lists for Santa!

For the first few years, I tried really hard to give him all of my Christmas magic.

Despite all my efforts, he never seemed to care much about it.

You see my son is autistic, and I don’t think he knows what Christmas is.

He doesn’t know who Santa is.

He doesn’t care about the reindeer.

He doesn’t even open gifts.

On Christmas eve, he is not excited.

I tried my best to not lose the Christmas magic.

I bought him a million toys that he didn’t care about.

I wrapped them up, even though I knew he wouldn’t open them.

I talked to him about the meaning of Christmas and Santa. I told him about the magic, even though he never said anything back.

I imagined he knew what I was saying. 

I fought my hardest to have all the Christmas joy, but I still cried myself to sleep for many Christmas eves.

Despite the heartbreak, I never gave up on giving him the perfect Christmas.

I tried to adapt to a new kind of Christmas magic.

Last year, I didn’t wrap a single present. Instead, I built a sensory gym in our basement. I put big red bows on all the equipment and covered the hallway entrance in wrapping paper!

Little feet didn’t run into my room on Christmas morning. Instead, just like each Christmas before, I snuck in his room early and woke him up with tickles.

I still told him Santa came, even though he didn’t know what that meant.

We came downstairs and the wrapping paper covering the entrance confused him.

Together we ran through the paper, relieving the surprise.

He froze.

His eyes got wide.

He didn’t jump up and down screaming.

He didn’t talk about Santa.

But he quietly walked around the room, touching each new piece of equipment.  

He studied the room, mesmerized by all the new things to climb and swing and crash on.

When he finished, he walked over to me and gently touched my face.

He didn’t have the words, but I knew he was saying thank you mama.

In that moment, I realized that I never needed to give him the Christmas of my dreams.

I could do better.

I could give him the Christmas of HIS dreams, instead.

The Christmas of his dreams consists of endless car rides and loud Christmas music.

The Christmas of his dreams consists of LOTS of Christmas cookies.

It consists of quiet nights by the fire while he watches Peppa Pig and I watch Hallmark movies.

It consists of chocolate chip pancakes and living room dance parties.

It is not the Christmas I had pictured, but nothing about this life with my sweet boy is as I pictured it would be.

Life doesn’t always go as planned, no one knows that more than a special needs mama.

Things don’t have to be the way we thought they would be to be beautiful.

To the mama who is crying on Christmas eve, I see you.

I know you are trying.

I know it is hard.

I know that it might feel like you are losing Christmas.

This year, my Christmas wish is for you.

Don’t give up on Christmas, mama.

Don’t lose the magic.

Your kids don’t need you to replicate the Christmas of your dreams.

They need you to build the Christmas of their dreams.

And maybe, just maybe, that will be even better!

Maykayla is a single mom to an autistic little boy. She sells yacht parties by day, plans weddings by night and navigates the world of special needs in between. She is the co-creator of A Blonde, A Brunette and Autism. She invites you to come along on her journey!